July 2, 1999
(Tourism, Culture and Recreation)

Tour Soiree '99 off to a roaring start

Charles Furey, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, says he is delighted with the general public's response to the official launch of Tour Soiree '99, held on Canada Day at the St. John's waterfront.

"The numbers are truly impressive. An estimated 40,000 people took in at least some part of the festivities on the waterfront throughout the day," Furey said. "There was also an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 people on hand for the fantastic show in the evening that included the laser light show and fireworks display. It was likely the largest crowd ever to gather on the St. John's waterfront for any event."

Tour Soiree '99 is the highlight of the Soiree '99 events and festivals being held all over the province, and features music, entertainment and displays at each of the 19 stops. "I am pleased and proud that this event brings the spirit and excitement of our 50th anniversary celebrations to so many people throughout the province," Furey said.

Tour Soiree '99 is a traveling showcase that features performances by the popular band Celtic Connection, actor Kevin Noble as well as recitations, storytelling, dramatic interpretations, theatre and incredible exhibitions. Professional entertainer and Patricia Andrews, artistic director of the Performing Arts Group, is the master of ceremonies. Local entertainers are featured at each stop.

The tour will travel to 19 communities on the island and in Labrador during July and August. The communities are: St. John's, Bay Roberts, Placentia, Ferryland, Marystown, Clarenville, Grand Falls, Harbour Breton, St. Anthony, Port Saunders, Rocky Harbour, Corner Brook, Port Aux Basques, Stephenville, Springdale, Gander, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador City and Gambo. Children and adults as well as residents and visitors alike will enjoy the event, which begins in the afternoon and continues into the evening in each community.

The Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Human Resources Development Canada, and Public Works and Government Services Canada are the funding partners for Soiree '99.

The four major corporate sponsors for the Soiree '99 celebrations are Newtel, the Iron Ore Company of Canada, Air Canada/Air Nova and Petro-Canada. Scotiabank, Newfoundland Power, and Agra Earth and Environmental are supporting Tour Soiree '99. The Telegram, the Atlantic Lottery Corporation and the Hibernia Management and Development Company (HMDC) are also contributing to Soiree '99.

Media contact: George Earles, Communications, (709) 729-4825.

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TOUR SOIREE '99 SCHEDULE

July 1     St. John's, waterfront
July 3     Bay Roberts, community recreation park
July 4     Placentia, town square
July 6     Ferryland, pool ball field
July 8     Marystown, Kinsmen Complex
July 9     Clarenville, Elizabeth Swan Park
July 10   Grand Falls-Windsor, Centennial Field
July 11   Harbour Breton, stadium parking lot
July 14   St. Anthony, stadium parking lot
July 15   Port Saunders, community recreation park
July 16   Rocky Harbour, stadium
July 17   Corner Brook, Civic Centre parking lot
July 20   Port aux Basques, Scott's Cove
July 21   Stephenville, town recreation facility
July 23   Springdale, Springdale soccer pitch
July 24   Gander, Cobb's Pond Park
July 29   Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Kinsmen Park
July 31   Labrador City, Gordie Young Memorial Softball Field
Aug. 4   Gambo, Village Green

1999 07 02 3:05 p.m.